Central Point of Coordination Administrators monitor access to county funded support services. Counties must have an approved management plan for all services to be funded with county dollars. The plan is the basis for funding authorization. Each county in Iowa has a CPC Administrator responsible for the single point of entry process, as well as a State County Assistance Team (SCAT) member to provide technical assistance. CPC's must be used to access county funded support services, that allow a challenged person to live, work and recreate to the extent of their abilities.

Who is eligible?

County funded services may be available for those people who are:

-in need of mental health services; -seriously and persistently mentally ill; -mentally retarded (defined as having an I.Q. of 75 or below with no exception for a plus or minus (factor).

Financial eligibility will be by the limits of SSI eligibility. If a consumer is over the income level, then services may be funded by the county, but reimbursement for those services may be requested from the consumer, until such a time as the applicant meets the income/resource guidelines. The applicant must utilize and or make application to/for all other available resources before they can become eligible for county funding.

What services are provided?

Individual plans are developed to provide services that are needed. These service plans may include:

-Referral information on other resources; -Outpatient/inpatient services regarding diagnosis treatment and recovery with continued community planning and supports; -Mental health services which include outpatient counseling and evaluation, medication management, community support, and crisis intervention. -Residential services in an appropriate facility (Intermediate Care Facility, Residential Care Facility); -Support services to maintain a home within the community; -Vocational supports in the communities or in a workshop setting (Sheltered Workshop, Supported Employment, OJT/Job Coaching, Work Activity); -Community support services (Waiver Program, Mental Health Center, Specialized Services-community specific, Day Treatment, Adult Day Care, Partial Hospitalization, Respite, Supported Community Living, Outpatient).

What are the duties of the CPC's?

CPC's determine and provide training to access points, take applications, review applications, determine legal settlement, make decisions on appropriate services, make funding authorization decisions, complete services and cost tracking, do quality assurance, facilitate the planning process on an on-going basis, determine goals from information compiled and facilitate the completion of county goals, complete annual report, complete the writing of the annual management plan. The CPC role is preparation for funding for post-secondary needs. They don't provide any direct services to clients.

How can CPC's assist schools in planning for transition of students?

When considering if CPC's should be involved in the transition planning process, teachers should consider whether a student might be in need of any possible county funded services. CPC's need to be invited to IEP meetings (by students age 16) 1 1/2 to 2 years prior to anticipated graduation date, for students with Full Scale IQ of less than 75. Determination of mental disability must be proven prior to age 19 by an IQ evaluation. However, the student must be 18 to be eligible for services. Special education teachers invite the CPC Administrator for the county of the student's residence under the following conditions:

-student has less than a 75 Full Scale IQ -there appears to be a need for support services after the student graduates -student is diagnosed with psychosis or at least 2 hospitalizations for mental illness.

Who do I contact?

Listed on the back of this sheet are the CPC Administrators/Telephone number for counties in and around AEA 14. A flow chart of the process for utilizing Central Point of Coordination is also provided.